UPDATE (Aug. 14, 2026, 7 a.m.)

According to the U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest, the Talbot Fire is burning on Tahoe National Forest land off French Meadows Road, approximately 4 miles northeast of French Meadows Reservoir and 14 miles southwest of Truckee, California. The Sacramento Regional Type 3 Incident Management Team has assumed command of the fire.

The Talbot Fire is currently 75 acres, 15% contained, and being fought by 376 personnel, while the cause remains under investigation.

The fire was reported Thursday, Aug. 12, and is burning through heavy timber across extremely steep and rugged terrain. The fire continues to pose a threat to structures and private timberlands while burning near the Granite Chief Wilderness.

Over the past day, air and ground resources have been working under a full-suppression strategy to contain the fire as quickly as possible. Crews have made significant progress in preventing further spread, working to surround the fire’s perimeter with hoselines and handlines. Dozers have also assisted in creating control lines to limit the fire’s growth.

Several helicopters have been coordinating with firefighters on the ground to target hotspots and areas of high heat. Today, firefighters will continue mopping up areas of the fire to increase containment while working to keep the blaze within its current footprint.

A low-pressure system over Northern California is bringing unseasonably cool temperatures and higher humidity, which has helped moderate fire behavior. However, gusty winds are still forecast and could increase fire activity and the potential for fire spread.

Forest closures and restrictions

The Tahoe National Forest has issued the Talbot Fire Area, Road, Recreation Site and Trail Closure. Recreation areas, trails and roads within the fire area are closed.

The Western States Trail is closed from Forest Road 96-62 to the Granite Chief Wilderness boundary. The Pacific Crest Trail, Forest Service Trail No. 2000, is also closed between the PCT trailhead on Placer County 9001 Road to the north and Barker Pass Trailhead to the south.

As previously planned, Stage 2 fire restrictions begin today, Aug. 14, 2026, within the Tahoe National Forest.

Evacuations

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation warning for portions of the Tahoe National Forest along French Meadows Road, including the community of Cedars.

Talbot Fire updates: Blaze mapped at 75 acres, 15% contained

(Aug. 13, 2026, 11:20 a.m.)

A wildfire burning near French Meadows in Placer County has grown to 75.2 acres as of Thursday morning, while firefighters made overnight progress on containment, according to fire officials.

The Talbot Fire was first reported Wednesday afternoon at 16 acres. It was then reported at 150 acres Wednesday evening, and 75.2 acres by Thursday morning, according to Watch Duty. As of 6:28 a.m. Thursday, the fire was 15% contained.

According to Watch Duty reporter Dan Husum, Fire behavior moderated overnight, allowing crews to access the fire and make progress on containment. Dozer line has been established along both the left and right flanks of the fire. Air Attack reported that the fire is currently holding within retardant lines.

All campgrounds and recreation areas in the French Meadows area have been evacuated due to the fire and the significant presence of fire suppression resources, according to the U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest. Officials are asking members of the public to stay out of the area.

An evacuation warning was issued Wednesday evening for Talbot Fire Zone 1. Evacuation warnings indicate a potential threat to life or property, and officials advise people who need additional time to evacuate, as well as those with pets or livestock, to leave early.

Night-flying aircraft were also assigned to the fire Wednesday night as firefighters worked to slow its spread.

The cause of the Talbot Fire has not been released.